Rules on the Street

Though the eating clubs are part of University property, Prospect Avenue and the areas between the eating clubs' outer walls, is not. They are Borough property and therefore subject to Borough laws. I think it is safe to say that most people are aware of this fact. Nevertheless, every year countless students are written up with open-container citations and other infractions on Prospect Avenue. The problem is twofold. First, though most people are aware of the local laws governing behavior on the Street, they are never made explicit to us as students. Second, the carefree attitude on the Street is particularly conducive to forgetting that Prospect Avenue is subject to different standards than the eating clubs.

It is time then that students know what the exact rules are so we know what to expect. According to the Borough police, the typical infractions that they encounter on Prospect Avenue include disorderly conduct, urinating in public and having an open container in public. During the past year, two students received citations for disorderly conduct, five for urinating in public and 30 for having an open-container in public on Prospect Avenue alone. Another nine citations were written for open containers on Nassau Street, though it is not clear that these were University students. The penalty for these citations is generally a fine. For a first offense, fines may be up to $250. For a second offense within three years of the first offense, the fine may be up to $500. And for a third offense within three years of the second offense or within five years of the first offense, the fine may be up to $1000. Of course, the exact fine is largely up to the judge's discretion.

The law regarding open containers is straightforward. According to Borough Code 4-19, no one is allowed to "consume or possess" any alcohol in an open container in a public place — including Prospect Avenue. Furthermore, if you are caught doing so and are underage, you can receive an additional citation, thereby potentially doubling the penalties. The law regarding public urination is similarly straightforward, except that a person need not be in an entirely public place when urinating to be cited. For example, the law excludes urination in a place of public view, such as outside the eating clubs but within the walls or on the driveways off of Prospect Avenue.

The law regarding disorderly conduct, however, is more expansive and relatively vague. Though this was the least cited offense in the past year, it is my understanding that many more could be given according to the law, if the police were so inclined. The Borough Code 22-1 defines disorderly persons as any person who is: "(1) obstructing or interfering with the free and lawful use of any public or private property; (2) uttering loud and offensive or profane or indecent language in any public place or place to which the public is invited; (3) addressing or making audible and offensive remarks to or concerning any passing person in any public or private place; (4) engaging in any riotous or disorderly proceedings or in any disturbance of the peace; or who fails to obey the order of a police officer; and (5) any person who shall maliciously threaten, abuse, assault or maltreat any person in the Borough."

Ultimately, the Borough police want these regulations clarified so that students are aware of the exact rules governing Prospect Avenue and all other non-University property. It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that the Street is a repercussion-free environment. This, however, cannot be further from the truth. The next time you walk out of a club during Lawnparties with a cup still in hand, just be aware that you could actually find yourself with a trip to court and a serious fine. Mac Williams '08 is a Wilson School major from Lutherville, MD. He may be reached at dmwillia@princeton.edu.